Match Report

Lions take a step backwards

THE Brisbane Lions turned in their worst performance of the season, falling to an 83-point defeat at the hands of a Port Adelaide side that has stormed into the top four.

The Power forward line ran riot, with Charlie Dixon, Jarman Impey and Robbie Gray all kicking four goals in the 22.18 (150) to 10.7 (67) romp.

Port's fourth win from six matches was effectively sealed in the opening 20 minutes, when they slammed home seven unanswered goals.

The Lions have now lost five games straight and had little answer in easily their worst loss under new coach Chris Fagan.

They butchered the ball in the first quarter with 20 clangers – a number that grew to 35 by half-time - and Port made them pay.

Missing skipper Travis Boak with a hamstring injury made little difference, as Chad Wingard (31 disposals, seven clearances) stepped into a more prominent midfield role to be arguably the best player afield.

Brad Ebert (25 touches) shook off close attention from young Lion Jarrod Berry, while Sam Powell-Pepper (25 and two goals) and Jasper Pittard (25) were also instrumental in victory.

Port was desperate all game, starting with Aaron Young's super tackle of Sam Mayes in the opening minutes that led to a Jackson Trengove goal.

Impey kicked two early goals and Dixon - too big and strong for undersized Dan McStay – kicked two of his own as Port silenced the home crowd.

The Lions' only respite in the opening quarter came when Michael Close kicked their first goal courtesy of a 50m penalty.

But the pain relief was temporary.

To the Power's credit, they did not let up, extending their lead at every change for the percentage-boosting win.

One three-minute burst in the third quarter epitomised the gap between the teams.

It started when Trengove ran with the flight of the ball to mark among three Lions and continued his path unchallenged into an open goal.

A minute later he added another after Nick Robertson – who was one Lion who gave his all – missed a handball target, and 60 seconds later stand-in skipper Ollie Wines took an uncontested mark from a Gray pass to continue the slaughter.

It was a bleak day for the Lions, with their midfield thoroughly outplayed despite winning the disposals (400-386) and clearances (37-34).

Port was far more slick and their pressure around the ball carrier taught the Lions a lesson.